Cozy Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup: A Comforting Dinner Delight

This soup is warm, creamy, and full of gentle chicken flavor. Cottage cheese blends into the broth to make a smooth, rich base without heavy cream. It is simple to cook, easy to reheat, and kind to your budget. You can make it on a busy weeknight or for a cozy weekend meal. Add noodles, rice, or extra veggies to fit your taste. Each spoonful is light but satisfying, and it packs protein to keep you full.

Why Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup

This soup checks all the boxes: fast, filling, and friendly on ingredients. Cottage cheese gives creaminess and protein without a heavy feel, so it works in both cold and warm seasons. In winter, it is soothing and warming. In spring and summer, it still feels light, especially with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. It is also a smart way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken. You do not need special tools beyond a blender or immersion blender to make the dairy base silky smooth.

The recipe is flexible. You can keep it classic with carrot, celery, and onion, or change it up with spinach, peas, or mushrooms. It scales well for meal prep, and the flavors mellow nicely in the fridge. If you want a wholesome bowl that tastes creamy without cream, this soup is a great pick. It brings comfort, value, and ease to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup

Cozy Flavor with Everyday Ingredients

• Uses pantry basics: chicken broth, onion, carrot, celery, garlic.
• Cottage cheese blends into a smooth, creamy base.
• Fresh herbs and lemon brighten the taste.

Quick to Make, Easy to Love

• Ready in about 35 minutes.
• Rotisserie chicken keeps prep simple.
• One pot plus a blender means easy cleanup.

Ingredients and Substitutions

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup cottage cheese (4% milkfat blends best)
• 1/2 cup milk or broth, for blending (as needed)
• 2 cups baby spinach or 1 cup peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more to taste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional add-ins: 1–2 cups cooked noodles, rice, or diced potatoes

Smart Swaps for Dietary Needs

• Dairy-light: use low-fat cottage cheese; skip milk and thin with broth.
• Dairy-free: use dairy-free cottage “cheese” or cashew cream (blend 1/2 cup soaked cashews with 3/4 cup hot broth).
• Gluten-free: the soup is naturally GF; choose GF noodles if adding.
• Low-carb: skip noodles/rice; add cauliflower or zucchini.
• Low-sodium: use unsalted broth and season with herbs and lemon.

Smart Variation (Optional)

• Lemon-Dill: extra dill and more lemon for a bright finish.
• Mushroom-Thyme: add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the onions.
• Southwest: stir in corn, a pinch of cumin and chili powder, and lime.
• Noodle Soup: add cooked egg noodles at the end.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Warm oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds.
2. Simmer base: Add broth, bay leaf, thyme, and dill. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Blend cottage cheese: In a blender, blend cottage cheese with 1/2 cup hot broth (scoop from the pot) until very smooth and creamy.
4. Combine: Stir the cottage cheese mixture into the pot. Add chicken and optional spinach or peas.
5. Finish: Simmer gently (do not boil) 3–5 minutes to warm through. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve: Remove bay leaf. Add noodles or rice if using. Garnish with parsley and more lemon to taste.

Tips for Texture, Timing & Tools

• Keep heat low after adding cottage cheese to prevent curdling. Do not boil.
• Blend until silky. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the smoothest finish.
• If you do not have a blender, mash cottage cheese very well and whisk; the soup will be a bit rustic.
• For raw chicken: simmer small pieces in the broth 12–15 minutes, then remove, shred, and return.
• Instant Pot: Sauté veggies; add broth, herbs, and raw chicken. Pressure cook 8 minutes, quick release, shred, stir in blended cottage cheese on “Sauté—Low.”
• Slow Cooker: Cook veggies, broth, herbs, and raw chicken 4 hours on High or 6–7 on Low. Shred, then stir in blended cottage cheese on Warm.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store It Right

• Cool fully. Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Dairy can separate. For best results, freeze the soup without the cottage cheese and add it after reheating. If freezing as-is, store up to 2–3 months and be ready to whisk after thawing.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor

• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling.
• Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup seems too thick. Whisk to bring it back together.

A Dish Worth Making Again and Again

This soup is simple, cozy, and flexible. It works for meal prep, quick dinners, and sharing with friends.

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FAQs

Will cottage cheese curdle in soup?

It should not if you blend it smooth and keep the heat low. Avoid boiling after you add it. If it separates, whisk in a splash of warm broth.

Can I make this soup without a blender?

Yes. Whisk cottage cheese very well or use a fork to mash it, then stir it in. The soup will be less smooth but still tasty.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes. Simmer bite-size pieces in the broth until cooked through (165°F), then shred or dice and continue with the recipe.

What goes well with this soup?

Crusty bread, simple green salad, garlic toast, or a grilled cheese. For a heartier bowl, add cooked noodles or rice.

Final Thoughts

Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup gives you creamy comfort with a boost of protein and simple steps. Keep this recipe handy for busy nights, chilly days, and anyone who wants a warm, nourishing bowl without heavy cream. Enjoy!

Need another way to enjoy high-protein meals without relying on meat? Our Recipes is a flavorful, filling dinner that fits the bill beautifully.

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